Make a marking gauge out of scrap wood

Got some scrap wood? Need a marking gauge? This instructable will describe the process of making one from the other. Which is which is left as an exercise for the reader.

"What is a marking gauge?", you ask. Well, gentle reader, a marking gauge is a tool that woodworkers use to put nasty lines all over their projects so that other woodworkers can see them and nod in appreciation of the fine craftsmanship. If you find that you need to scribe a line parallel with an edge, such as when cutting joinery, dimensioning stock to thickness, or showing off to your neighbor, then a marking gauge is the tool to use.

Step 1: What you need

I'd like nothing more than to wax philosophical about our metaphysical properties, but this is an Instructable, and, as such, requires "stuff". Here are the thing you'll need.

- Safety glasses
- Two dowel scraps of different diameters. I chose an oak dowel at 3/4" and a poplar dowel at 3/8"
- A scrap block of wood
- A Scrappy-Doo coloring book. Just kidding
- A drilling tool, such as a drill press, bit brace, oil derrick, or electric drill
- Drill bits the same diameter as your dowels
- A clamp
- A sharp chisel
- A pencil
- A nail (not pictured)
- Sandpaper (not pictured)

Comments

[sabr686]

The adjective for "spur" is spurrilous, not spurry. It's a common error. Your welcome.

[stapledpants]

"You're" welcome and not "Your" welcome. It's a common error. You're welcome :-)

[sabr686]

HA!

[shooby]

Not to be picky, because I understand from your ible how this works...but isn't the dowel in compression, not tension? Great idea, I'm going to make one of these as soon as I find time. Thanks!

[Dachjo]

This is genius! I followed the directions and now I have a custom marking gauge all my own. The darn thing works! Thanks for this instructable.

[VirenVaz]

Simple and lovely. Got out my scrap wood, created the dowels and then the gauge in a quick 30 minutes. I do small work so my gauge is just 3 inches. I simply followed your instructions including the refueling step and voila. Nice! Thanks.

[Jimbombim]

Hi,
Does it make sense to leave the 1st dowell in place while drilling the second hole?
I'm planning to make one, but only have enough dowell for one go, so don't want to muck it up!
Cheers
Jim

[porternick]

Much cheaper, and makes you feel more manly to have made a tool you use..  I drilled the tensional dowel hole first, put the dowel in, and then drilled the hole for the stem.  This saved me from needing to to do the first part of Step 5.  Great Instructable.

[toxonix]

 Yes I do, and yes, I do.
Hey I wish I had seen this one last night. I was thinking of making one, but I just used my hand an a pen instead. Favorited.

[stickmop]

I can't find a popular dowel. Can I use something people don't like, like a knotty pine dowel?

[jmmcches]

Great tutorial. I especially like the refueling step. So many people leave that one out!

[lafnbear]

Excellent, clear instructions, and most entertaining to boot! Favorite'd without hesitation.